Minor flooding should be no big deal in Montevideo

Thursday

Jun 19, 2014 at 5:00 AM

On Monday, The National Weather Service has declared a flood warning along the Chippewa River through the end of the week. As of noon on Monday, water levels were at 13.15 feet, with an estimated 14.3 feet to come on Thursday morning, based on the weather forecast on Monday.

By Jeremy Jonesstaff writer

On Monday, The National Weather Service has declared a flood warning along the Chippewa River through the end of the week. As of noon on Monday, water levels were at 13.15 feet, with an estimated 14.3 feet to come on Thursday morning, based on the weather forecast on Monday.

“Any additional rains could cause river levels to rise even higher then currently,” said Certified Floodplain Manager Angie Steinbach, Montevideo’s community development director.

According to the National Weather Service, 14 feet is considered minor flooding, and 16 feet is considered flood stage waters.

Steinbach said that even in the minor flooding stage, at 14.3 feet, there is no real cause for concern. “At that level we should not be effected majorly,” she said. “The new levees protect up to three feet over the 100 year flood level.”

At the minor flood level, it is possible there could be some minor ground water and utility issues as a result. “There is a low chance. Each year our city crew is improving our protections,” Steinbach said.

The city of Montevideo has two certified flood plain managers on staff. There are 62 in the state.